The ICE, St. Moritz

Text and Photography by Mart Engelen  

This year I was very pleased to be invited to cover an unrivalled automotive event held in a truly unconventional venue. Every year in the Engadin there is an icy miracle: as the season reaches its peak, winter transforms Lake St. Moritz into the sparkling white setting for something quite incredible: the I.C.E. St. Moritz. History has united the Engadin region and classic cars: a thrilling thread running through decades of events based on motoring along with the display of prestige cars. All of these events happen in the summer, thanks to the excellent roads and perfect driving conditions that this place can offer. The I.C.E. St. Moritz, however, breaks free of the comfort zone of such events, proving that there is a new dimension for a car show beyond the familiar settings. It challenges the rigours of winter with the heat of a passion that ignores both the grip of frost and the passage of time: the passion for the rarest, most elegant and iconic classic cars. Although the I.C.E. St. Moritz was first conceived in the mid-1980s, it has its roots in the relationship between St. Moritz and the winter magic of its surroundings. Nature, exclusivity, sport, luxury, fun and excitement: the vital elements of the atmosphere of this famous Swiss town come together in one of the most iconic events in its calendar, the Cresta Run skeleton race. In January 1985, a group of British competitors, led by Scotsman Keith Schellenberg, celebrated the centenary of the Run by driving their vintage Bentley tourers on the frozen lake. When he saw this, it was a revelation to auto-brand manager Marco Makaus, and he wanted to replicate the event. It took decades to turn Makaus’ idea into reality. St. Moritz municipality and Badrutt’s Palace were enthusiastic and were soon joined by other partners and sponsors bringing decisive support. The I.C.E. St Moritz 2025 was a triumph of elegance and passion. The event turned the picturesque frozen lake in the Swiss Alps into an exclusive stage for 52 truly iconic classic and sports cars: an exceptional selection that enthusiasts of all ages could rave about. For two splendid sunny days over twenty thousand visitors, from all corners of the world, animated the city and its lake.